Eat till you’re satisfied, but no more, urges trainer Tammy Stokes

SHARE Eat till you’re satisfied, but no more, urges trainer Tammy Stokes

By Cindy Pearlman | Big Picture News Inc.

Health and wellness expert Tammy Stokes says it’s simple.

If you want to lose weight for summer, there’s an easy way to figure out if you’re chowing down too much.

“If you eat until you’re full then you will put weight on,” says the celeb trainer and author of “The West Coast Diet.” “If you eat until you’re happy then you will maintain your weight. But if you eat until you’re basically satisfied but don’t feel full, then you will lose weight.”

You have to be honest with yourself. “If you want to lose weight,” she says, “basically you should be thinking, ‘OK, I’m good. I could eat more, but I’m not going to do it.’

This means that you don’t have that second serving or that huge first serving. Why? It will make you too full and you will gain weight.”

Stokes’ summer shape-up tips:

• Don’t Deny Yourself. “If you want to lose weight, the first thing you might do is to take things away. Why not try to add things?” she poses. She adds, “For instance, focus on becoming super hydrated so your body will start working properly and your kidneys will be stimulated. Bile will form and things will pass. Plus, so many times when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually thirsty.”

• Soup It Up. “Have a cup of soup before you eat. You will eat so much less if you have the soup. Then after the soup have a light bite.” She adds, “If soup is not available, then have a glass of water before you eat for a similar effect.

• Fill Up Your Fridge with Skinny Foods. Stokes says, “When I’m hungry between meals, I will reach for skinny foods that contain a lot of water but are low in calories like melons, watermelon, celery, romaine lettuce, green tea and lots of water.”

• Nourish Equals Weight Loss. “If you eat empty calories like chips then your body is getting very little nutrition,” Stokes says. “The more nourished you are with good foods, the less cravings you will have.” She has an example. “Let’s say your lunch is a sandwich with processed meat, chips and goldfish crackers. You’re not getting any nutrition. An hour later, you’re craving food again.” She adds, “When you focus on nutrition, you’re winning the weight loss battle.” She says to skip the scale. “Your goal isn’t a number, but great health,” she says.

• Remember Your Mantra. “Remember to walk away from the table when you’re good. You might still be a little bit hungry, but you’re good,” Stokes says. “The great news is if you eat this way then you will lose weight.”

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